News
Friday, November 16, 2012
Malik Riaz issued contempt notice over allegations* Dr Suddle says commission will complete inquiry within the stipulated time
By Sajid Chaudhary
ISLAMABAD: Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Dr Shoaib Suddle on Thursday said allegations by property tycoon Malik Riaz prompted him to issue a contempt notice.
He told the media that the notice has been issued to Riaz on his statement that deal was being made between the FTO and the government. He said the property magnet has been directed to submit reply on the contempt notice by November 19, which has been served over statements before media and the commission.
Dr Suddle said, “Without fear and favour, the commission will complete inquiry within the stipulated time. No injustice will be done with anybody and the decision will be made purely on merit after receiving evidences. The matter will be decided in a transparent manner.” He said the commission wants to complete the inquiry as soon as possible.
He said that the commission would try its level best to complete the investigation by December 6, 2012. When asked whether the commission would accept any evidence if provided by Faisal Raza Abidi, he said that anybody is welcome to provide evidence.
Dr Shoaib Suddle reiterated that the FTO had the same powers as the Supreme Court to punish any person for contempt, saying, “Under Section 16 of the Federal Tax Ombudsman Ordinance 2000, the FTO has the same powers, mutatis mutandis, as the Supreme Court has to punish any person for its contempt who (a) abuses, interferes with, impedes, imperils, or obstructs the process of the Federal Tax Ombudsman in any way or disobeys any order of the FTO; (b) scandalises the FTO or otherwise does anything which tends to bring the FTO, staff members, nominees of the office, or any person authorised by the FTO in relation to his office into hatred, ridicule or contempt; (c) does anything which tends to prejudice the determination of a matter pending before the FTO; or (d) does any other thing which, by any other law, constitutes contempt of court.”
When asked any summary has been moved to the federal cabinet regarding FTO Office, Dr Suddle said that no summary has been presented in the cabinet meeting regarding FTO office.
“There was no summary in the cabinet.”
If any change has been made pertaining to the tenure of the FTO, it would be applicable on the future tax ombudsman. However, this would not have any impact on the tenure of the existing FTO. His tenure would expire on June 2013.
Referring to Section 6 of the Federal Tax Ombudsman Ordinance 2000, he said, “The FTO Ordinance clearly said that the FTO shall be entitled to such salary, allowances and privileges and other terms and conditions of service as the president may determine and these terms shall not be varied during the term of office of a federal tax ombudsman.”
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk